Patna: Bihar has begun work on installing large-scale battery energy storage systems across the state in an effort to tackle chronic power cuts and ensure steady electricity supply during peak demand.
The Bihar State Power Transmission Company Limited (BSPTCL) has commissioned a 500 MWh battery storage project with a capacity of 125 MW at 15 grid substations. State energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav, announcing the initiative on Wednesday, described it as a “new direction” for Bihar’s energy structure.
The central government has allocated Rs 135 crore under its Viability Gap Funding scheme. The system is designed to release stored power for up to four hours during peak demand, helping to stabilise the grid and integrate renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
Contracts have been awarded to six companies following a tender issued in March 2025 by the Bihar State Power Generation Company Limited. Among the allocations: Prostarim Info Systems Limited will oversee projects in Fatuha, Jehanabad, Rafiganj, Siwan, Banka and Kishanganj; Barbrick Project Limited in Muzaffarpur, Ashtawan and Jamui; Suryam International in Motihari; Kundan Green Energy in Bettiah; Hindustan Thermal Projects in Bhagalpur, Udakishanganj and Sitamarhi; and Satvik in Sheohar.
Officials said the installations, spread across different regions of the state, will improve grid stability and quality of supply. “The government is constantly striving to provide uninterrupted power, and this project will move Bihar towards energy self-sufficiency,” Yadav said. Senior officials including energy secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and BSPTCL managing director Rahul Kumar were also present.
The project is expected to be completed within 18 to 20 months, with viability gap funding support of Rs 27 lakh per MWh or 30% of capital costs, whichever is lower.
Under Bihar’s Renewable Energy Policy 2025, the state has set targets of generating 23,968 MW of renewable energy and building 6,100 MWh of storage capacity by 2029-30. The government said the new storage project will enhance energy security, reduce power cuts and encourage further investment, potentially paving the way for Bihar to become a power-exporting state.
